Volunteer Opportunities From: Volunteer Center

We're on the lookout for talented and passionate wood shop volunteers to join our mission. Together, we’ll create beautiful, handcrafted furniture and wooden toys that will brighten up the lives of families in need.

Our wood shop is equipped with state-of-the-art tools and facilities, and we use them to build a variety of items, from cozy beds and stylish dressers to fun and educational toys. We don’t just make things for ourselves; we donate them to families through our furniture voucher program or sell them at affordable prices in our thrift store. This way, we can help families create a safe and welcoming home environment for everyone.

Volunteers in this role meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays mornings to work on carpentry projects and bond over shared interests. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting, we’d love to have you!

Here’s what you can expectBuild wooden furniture and toys based on provided designs or templates (e.g., beds, dressers, nightstands, toy blocks, etc.)Operate woodworking equipment and hand tools safely and accuratelyAssist with sanding, painting, staining, or finishing pieces as neededCollaborate with other volunteers and staff to complete projectsEnsure high standards of quality and safety for all finished itemsMaintain a clean, organized, and safe work areaParticipate in inventory tracking or documentation of completed piecesFollow all safety procedures and wear proper protective gear while in the shop

If you have experience with woodworking, carpentry, or furniture making (professional or hobbyist level welcome), and you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love to have you on our team!

Here are some of the benefits of volunteering with usUse your hands-on skills to make a direct, lasting impactHelp provide affordable or free furniture to families in needBe part of a community of skilled, mission-driven volunteersGain experience in furniture building, woodworking, or designFulfill volunteer or service hours while engaging in meaningful work

We're on the lookout for a caring and reliable volunteer to drive our box truck (no CDL needed) to pick up donated furniture and deliver essentials to folks and families getting support through our voucher program. This role helps make sure those who’re leaving tough situations have the basics they need to live safely and comfortably. And guess what? The donated furniture items will also help us raise more money to support local families with essentials like food, rent, and utilities!

Here’s what you’ll be doingDriving a non-commercial box truck (no CDL needed) for donation pickups and client deliveriesLoading and unloading furniture and other household items safely and efficientlyHelping move furniture out of donor homes (for pickup) and into client homes (for delivery)Providing friendly and respectful service to donors, clients, and team membersFollowing planned routes and delivery schedules provided by the SVdP Thrift Store ManagerKeeping the truck clean and organized; reporting any maintenance issuesMaintaining accurate records of pickups and deliveriesFollowing all safety procedures, including safe lifting and item securing practicesIf you’re up for this, here’s what you’ll needA valid standard (non-commercial) driver’s license with a clean driving recordComfortable driving a 14–16 ft. box truck (no CDL required)The ability to lift and move heavy furniture (50+ lbs) with assistanceDependability, punctuality, and the ability to follow instructionsA friendly and respectful attitude towards donors and clients from all backgroundsYou must be at least 25 years oldA background check and/or motor vehicle record check may be requiredVolunteering with us offers a chance toHelp provide essential furnishings to families in needBe part of a mission-driven, hands-on teamGain experience in transportation and logistics (no CDL needed)Stay active and meet people in your communityFulfill service hours for school, work, or community programs

Hey there! Are you looking for a fun and meaningful way to give back to your community? Look no further than the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store! We're on the hunt for volunteers who are passionate about helping others and making a positive impact.

As a volunteer at our thrift store, you’ll get to play a vital role in creating a welcoming shopping environment for our customers. You’ll be helping us stock, clean, and provide top-notch customer service. And guess what? The proceeds from our store directly support providing assistance to Neighbors in need throughout our community!

Volunteer hours are super flexible and can be anytime between 9:30 and 5:30 on Monday through Saturday. Plus, as a thank-you for your help, you’ll get store discounts! Can you beat that?

Here’s what you can expect to do as a volunteerGreet and assist customers in a friendly and respectful mannerSort and inspect donated items for quality, cleanliness, and usabilityTag, price, and stock items on shelves or racksMaintain organized and attractive displays of merchandiseHelp keep the store tidy, clean, and safe (e.g., folding clothes, sweeping, organizing shelves)Operate the cash register (if trained and authorized)Answer customer questions and help them locate itemsAssist with backroom organization, inventory, or special events as neededFollow store policies and safety procedures

If you’re a friendly, positive person with good communication and interpersonal skills, and you’re comfortable with light physical activity (e.g., standing, lifting up to 25 lbs), then we’d love to have you on our team! Retail experience is helpful but not required. The minimum age of 18 is also a must.

Volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store offers a variety of benefits, includingSupport a cause that helps your local communityGain experience in retail, customer service, and merchandisingMeet new people and be part of a positive, mission-driven teamEarn community service hours for school, work, or other programsEnjoy a flexible schedule with rewarding work

So, if you’re looking for a fun and meaningful way to give back, stop by our thrift store and let’s make a difference together!

As a Food Pantry Volunteer, you will be a key player in making sure folks and families in our community have access to healthy food. You’ll help out with different tasks to keep the pantry running smoothly and make sure everyone feels welcome and respected.

We have 12 food pantry locations throughout Fort Wayne. Reach out to find out which one is closest to you!

Here’s what you can expectGreet and help pantry clients in a friendly and respectful waySort, organize, and stock food items on the pantry shelvesPack food bags or boxes based on what clients need and what the pantry has availableCheck expiration dates and make sure food is safe to eatHelp set up and clean up the pantry before and after distributionAssist with inventory counts and restockingKeep the pantry clean and organizedFollow all health and safety rules, including how to handle food properlyDo other tasks as needed by the pantry staff or volunteer leadsIf you’re up for it, here are some things you’ll needYou’re willing to work with people from different backgrounds without judgmentYou’re reliable and punctualYou can lift up to 25 lbs and stand for long periods of timeYou have good communication and teamwork skillsYou’re at least 18 years old (or you’re with an adult if you’re younger)You’ve completed a short orientation or training session

Volunteering at the Food Pantry is a great way to make a difference in your community. You’ll learn new skills and gain valuable volunteer experience. You’ll also meet new people and be part of a compassionate team. Plus, you’ll earn volunteer hours for school, work, or community service.

Hey there! Volunteers are the unsung heroes behind the scenes at SVdP, making sure we can deliver resources to those in need. They’re like the superheroes of our mission!

You can choose your hours anytime between 9:30 and 5:30 on Monday through Saturday. And guess what? You will get store discounts as a thank-you for your help!

Here’s what you can expect when you join our teamYou’ll get to receive, sort, and organize donated goods like clothes, household items, decor, and more. Make sure everything is clean, safe, and ready to be sold in our Thrift Store.You’ll get to help keep our donation area clean, safe, and clutter-free.You’ll get to label and package items for distribution as needed.You’ll get to follow donation handling procedures and health/safety guidelines.You’ll get to help with occasional inventory counts or special donation drives.

If you are a detail-oriented and organized person who’s comfortable with light physical activity, like standing, bending, and lifting (up to 25 lbs), you’re the perfect person for this job! You’ll also need to be able to work independently or as part of a team. This is a great chance to volunteer with your friends, a church group, or even a work team!

Volunteering at SVdP is a great way to help individuals and families in need, gain experience in logistics, organization, and inventory management, earn community service hours for school, work, or personal goals, join a community of caring and committed volunteers, and get to do some rewarding hands-on work.

So, if you’re looking for a way to make a difference and have some fun at the same time, come join our team!

Are you a skilled and enthusiastic carpenter looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity? Join our Carpenter’s Sons Ministry and make a positive impact on the lives of elderly and disabled individuals.

As a Carpenter’s Son, you will get to use your hands-on skills to build and repair structures that directly benefit these amazing people. Imagine helping them feel safer in their homes and making it easier for them to get in and out. It’s a truly rewarding experience!

Our Carpenter’s Sons get together on Tuesday mornings for coffee and fellowship, and then we head out to tackle various home repair projects around the community. And don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned carpenter. The Carpenter’s Sons are always happy to teach and mentor new volunteers, so you can learn and grow alongside experienced professionals.

Here’s what you can expectAssist with construction and repair of wooden structures like shelves, cabinets, framing, ramps, and furniture.Use power tools and hand tools safely and responsibly.Measure, cut, and assemble wood and other materials accurately.Help set up and clean up worksites, ensuring safety and order.Follow blueprints, designs, or instructions provided by supervisors.Maintain a safe and organized work environment.Collaborate with other volunteers and staff to complete projects on time.Offer input and craftsmanship knowledge when appropriate.

If you have carpentry skills or experience (professional or hobbyist level is welcome), or if you’re just starting, we’d love to have you on board! Basic knowledge of tools, materials, and construction methods is a plus, but we’re open to learning from you.

Lifting materials and working on feet for extended periods is okay, as long as you have the strength and stamina. Attention to detail and a commitment to quality craftsmanship are essential. Following instructions and working independently or as part of a team is also important.

And the best part? You’ll get to use your talents to directly help those in need, gain satisfaction from hands-on community improvement, and develop and refine your carpentry skills. You’ll also network with other skilled volunteers and tradespeople, and earn community service or volunteer hours.

So, if you’re ready to make a difference and have some fun, join our Carpenter’s Sons Ministry today! We can’t wait to welcome you to our community.

We are on the lookout for compassionate and reliable volunteers to drive our state-of-the-art accessible van and provide safe, reliable transportation to community members in need. As an SVdP Care Van Driver, you’ll play a crucial role in helping clients access medical appointments and food pantries, improving their health and well-being. We provide transportation every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the year, except for major holidays.

Here’s what you can expectTransport clients to and from medical appointments, food pantries, and other approved locations.Drive our organized van or vehicle in a safe and courteous manner.Assist passengers with entering and exiting the vehicle as needed.Ensure all passengers are securely restrained.Follow the scheduled routes and timelines provided by the Transportation Coordinator.Maintain accurate records of mileage, destinations, and times.Communicate with staff about schedule changes, client no-shows, or vehicle concerns.Keep the vehicle clean and fueled.Follow all traffic laws and organizational policies related to transportation and client confidentiality.

If you meet these qualifications, we would love to hear from you!

QualificationsValid driver’s license with a clean driving record.Minimum age of 25 years old.Reliable and punctual, with strong interpersonal skills.Comfortable working with older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing hardship.Ability to lift light items (e.g., grocery bags) and assist clients as needed.Must pass a background check and possibly a motor vehicle record check.CPR/First Aid certification (preferred, but not required).Familiarity with the local area is a plus.Benefits of VolunteeringMake a meaningful difference by supporting community access to healthcare and food.Build personal connections with individuals in need.Flexible schedule, one week out of every 8-10 weeks.Receive training and support from experienced staff.Fulfill volunteer service hours or community involvement goals.

We can’t wait to meet you!